Counting down the days with WSPCA 2020 calendar

THE ultimate stocking-filler for animal lovers in County Wexford is now on sale as the WSPCA 2020 calendar hit the shelves in recent weeks. Featuring all manner of animals from beautiful birds to adorable dogs and even a high profile appearance for Barry the goat, it looks set to be a real hit to help count down the days with a monthly dose of cuteness.

The calendar was the brainchild of Mary Doyle, who works three days a week in the WSPCA office, and having pitched the idea to Colm in Practical Printers, the idea snowballed from there to the wonderful finished product which is now on sale for just €8 with 100% of the proceeds going to help the WSPCA with the care and treatment of countless animals in need.

‘It was all Mary’s idea and she did a great job on it,’ said Brigid Cullen of the WSPCA. ‘After we looked at the layout and that kind of thing, we asked the public to share pics and we asked people to vote on them on Facebook. We got loads of entries and we made a collage on the back page with all the animals submitted, so everyone is included. They’re selling really well and are a really nice gift for Christmas.’

Taking the status of cover star on the calendar is Barry the goat, who gets his name from a helpful car salesman.

‘We had just bought our new van out at Nissan in Wexford and the salesman’s name was Barry,’ Brigid explained. ‘ The first animal we picked up in the van then was a baby goat and we decided to name him after Barry. He was re-homed at Blackwater Farm and looks great on the front of the calendar.’

Copies of the calendar are available for €8 from the WSPCA Charity Shop, the vets, Kinsella’s in Killeens, Crosstown Service Station, Only Natural, The Natural Health Store, Roche’s in Drinagh and in Wexford’s pet shops.

The proceeds from the calendar will play a big part in helping the WSPCA to provide a vital service in 2020.

AUGUST Two mallard ducklings, by Katrina Hayes. MARCH A bee at Abbeygale House in Wexford, by Hayley Flood, The Ballagh. NOVEMBER Rescue lurchers Tigger and Lina in the dunes at Curracloe, by Michael Duggan. The cover photo of Barry the goat was taken by Wexford photographer Tom Harpur.

JULY Oscar, Alfie and Charlie at Curracloe Beach, by Lynda Lawler, Wexford town.

SEPTEMBER A great tit, by Declan Roche, Wexford town.

JUNE Barbie and her filly Pippa, by Nicole Kelly, Kilmore Quay.

OCTOBER 17 year old Tigger, by Rosie Byrne, Ballymitty.

FEBRUARY Noel the cat, by Marie Hayes. JANUARY Jenny the donkey and her foal, by Danielle O’Neill, Bunclody.

MAY Puffins on Great Saltee by Danielle Cullen, Arklow.

DECEMBER Sadie the dog and Duke the pony, both rescues, by Hannah Doran, Kilrane.

APRIL Perkin with her family of eight ducklings, by Deborah Hall from Castlebridge.